'SCANDAL, ABSURD’: PUNDITS CAN’T BELIEVE ARSENAL ARE SIGNING THIS MAN FOR SUCH A LOW FEE

1 week ago 21

By the sounds of it, Arsenal are closing in on their first signing of the summer, as São Paulo forward Marquinhos nears a move to the Premier League.

The Brazilian giants have already accepted a bid worth £2.5m, and Fabrizio Romano believes the paperwork is now being prepared.

Personal terms have also been agreed with the 19-year-old.

Arsenal have been able to sign the South American wonderkid for a bargain fee due to his contract situation, and Brazilian football pundits are stunned.

What’s the story?

Well, Vampeta – who amassed 39 caps for Brazil – was speaking on Jovem Pan Esportes about Marquinhos, and believes São Paulo are being robbed.

The 48-year-old said: “This is absurd. This is absurd. They’re going to lose Marquinhos to Arsenal for £2.5m.”

Thiago Asmar – the host of Jovem Pan Esportes – then added that it was a “scandal” before suggesting that Marquinhos is actually worth a lot more.

Clearly, those over in Brazil believe Arsenal are getting a bargain in Marquinhos, and we can’t help but agree.

The teenager actually had a release clause in his contract, which was said to be worth €50m (£42m).

However, FIFA regulations mean Marquinhos actually sees his contract expire this summer, rather than in May 2024 when São Paulo believed.

That is because FIFA state that a maiden contractual agreement can only last a maximum of three years in Brazil – Marquinhos penned his current deal in 2019.

Marquinhos deal is a win-win for Arsenal

In our view, this is brilliant business by the Gunners.

Even if things don’t work out for Marquinhos at the Emirates Stadium, then Arsenal could still make a profit on the teenager, given how little the asking price is.

However, he could also follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli and become a star in the Premier League, so either way, it’s a fantastic signing for Arsenal.

With the likes of Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhães already in north London, the Brazilian duo should also be able to help Marquinhos settle in.

Under a coach like Mikel Arteta, who clearly trusts youngsters, he should receive a good amount of playing time as well.

In many ways, this could prove to be one of Arteta’s best signings at Arsenal.

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